Tax clampdown under threat as HMRC plan job cuts

George Osborne's budget promise to fund a clampdown on tax evaders in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK appears to be under threat after a leaked memo showed that HM Revenue & Customs is to make up to 300 staff redundant this year.

HMRC's director of specialist tax, which targets high-end taxpayers and complex cases, has written that the jobs from the unit will go by 2015 – and adds that those who remain will be asked to deliver more revenue with less resources. This appears to contradict the chancellor's claims that the government would increase HMRC's budget to tackle the non-payment of tax.

In the past, Ministers have faced a public backlash for allowing large corporations to agree cosy deals with HMRC over multimillion pound tax debts while small businesses and individuals have been hounded for payments.

Reports suggest that in 2014/15 specialist personal tax staff will be reduced by about 250-300 people which could result in a reduction in the number of investigations.

Wilson Nesbitt Solicitors based in Belfast, Northern Ireland can assist you with any tax compliance issues and help if you have been selected for a tax enquiry. If you need to talk with one of our tax advisors please contact us by calling 0800 840 9288.